Windows 7 - Using my old drives files after an SSD install

ICit2lol · 01-31-2012

Have just installed an M4 Crucial 128GB SSD and put the OS and a few apps like CC,gadgets, and MBAM etc on it on it.

Now to save me from ripping all my music and installing pics again how do I avoid the machine from booting from the old drive? - perhaps remove the OS from the old drive (1TB Seagate) which would be handy to use as extra storage if possible.

I have looked for some answers but can't find any that fit my exact bill.

I did put in one of my external drives to use the system image but as soon as I plugged it in the machine booted?? So I am not sure of what is going on there either

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ignatzatsonic · 01-31-2012

Quote: Originally Posted by ICit2lol

Have just installed an M4 Crucial 128GB SSD and put the OS and a few apps like CC,gadgets, and MBAM etc on it on it.

Now to save me from ripping all my music and installing pics again how do I avoid the machine from booting from the old drive? - perhaps remove the OS from the old drive (1TB Seagate) which would be handy to use as extra storage if possible.

Did you install to the SSD with the old HD disconnected?

If so, I wouldn't expect any issues. The SSD should be in charge of the world and the old hard drive will be accessible as if it had never had an OS on it.

You should be able to boot from the SSD normally, and then repartition or have your way with the old hard drive as you see fit.

ICit2lol · 01-31-2012

Thanks Ignazatsonic yeah mate I did have the old drive disconnected and only the SSD connected when I installed the OS again so I'll just power down and connect the old one back up.

Thanks again - so appreciated

essenbe · 01-31-2012

You may want to check you boot order in bios to make sure your SSD is the first hard drive listed.

ICit2lol · 01-31-2012

Quote: Originally Posted by essenbe

You may want to check you boot order in bios to make sure your SSD is the first hard drive listed.

Yes essenbe I just been in there and it isn't listed as a matter of fact there doesn't seem to be any drives listed. Plus the machine boots via the old drive when plugged in and then the SSD when old unplugged.

I did try deleting Windows in Computer / drives / the old drive but it wouldn't let me I suppose as I am in on that drive. Now the SSD is listed there but as I said not in the BIOS.

I might just power down again and take some shots of the BIOS to show you what I am getting as I don't really understand what it is that it is telling me.

Might have to be a bit later though as I am due to go to the workhouse.

ignatzatsonic · 01-31-2012

Quote: Originally Posted by ICit2lol

I just been in there and it isn't listed as a matter of fact there doesn't seem to be any drives listed. Plus the machine boots via the old drive when plugged in and then the SSD when old unplugged.

If I understand correctly---each drive will boot when just that drive is connected. That's what I would expect, since both drives have valid Windows installations on that same hardware.

I can only assume you just aren't looking in the correct area of the BIOS. If no drives are recognized by the BIOS, you shouldn't be booting at all.

A picture of Disk Management when booted with both drives connected would confirm a few things.

At any rate, I'd think you could clean any partition as necessary through Diskpart command---after taking particular care to identify the correct partition---possibly by its size alone.

ICit2lol · 02-03-2012

Yeah sorry ignazat and essenbe I was looking in the worng spot in the BIOS and changed the boot sequence / order so all ok now

ICit2lol · 02-03-2012

Next trick is to burn / rip to - music to / from the old drive as I don't want to fill my already half full SSD?

Is there a tutorial on this one please?

ignatzatsonic · 02-03-2012

Quote: Originally Posted by ICit2lol

Next trick is to burn / rip to - music to / from the old drive as I don't want to fill my already half full SSD?

Is there a tutorial on this one please?

Not exactly following you.

Do you want to rip songs from CDs? I think Windows can do that, but I use CDex.

Or are you talking about moving songs from one drive to another?

Or?

essenbe · 02-03-2012

Try this John. move user folders. If you move all your used folders to another drive, it will free up a lot of space on the SSD.

Windows 7 - Using my old drives files after an SSD install

Using my old drives files after an SSD install problems?